Security Threat Puts Oelwein Schools On Lock-Out Status

Authorities are being tight-lipped about a situation that forced all schools in Oelwein to be placed on lock-out status late Friday morning (Sept. 7, 2018).

The situation apparently involves a man walking around the community with a gun. While specific information has not been released by Oelwein police, district officials made the public aware of a possible security threat in a Facebook post shortly after 10:30 AM. In the post, they said: "We are aware of the threat in the community. It has been confined to a specific area. All of our schools are safe and we will continue to be in contact with the Oelwein Police Department and to evaluate the situation!"

As indicted in the post, the possible threat was restricted to the southwest side of Oelwein. Initially, Sacred Heart Catholic School put on lock-down as a precaution.

Then, shortly after 11 AM, district officials posted the following message Facebook: "All schools are now on LOCK-OUT. This means no one is allowed into or out of any building until further notice."

Earlier, Oelwein police posted vague information about the situation on Facebook. In the post, they said: "This morning officers were called to an incident in Oelwein. Since that time we have been looking for a person involved. All measures taken have been precautionary only. As the investigation continues we will assess all information and pass it on to our partners in the community."

Authorities indicated that any information regarding the incident would be released to the public the Oelwein police department's website as soon s as soon as possible.

Around 1:30 PM, Oelwein Superintendent Josh Ehn announced that the district's buildings would remain in lock-out status for the rest of the day and that dismissal of students at regular time was going forward. In the Facebook post, Ehn indicated that police officers would be present to keep students safe.

Mercy Hospital and Covenant Clinic in Oelwein also announced on Friday that they were on lock-down status due to an external threat.